Family

Tomorrow my grandson arrives!

 Kristjian and me in January when I went to Pensacola

This would be my second grandson in my daughter's family. He is 13 and he is coming to spend 3 weeks with grandma and grandpa!!. And yes, we are excited!!!

I have a ton of stuff planned but allowing for some down times (because Grandma will need a break now and then). Included in the plans is a week at Tall Timber Ranch for Jr High Camp. I'm going along and working in the kitchen that week so I can be a part of his experience.

My brother and sister-in-love are also back in town for a month long visit. Yippee! Family get togethers!

My husband is working like mad, at his regular job and also overseeing a project for a friends newest resteraunt. So it's been a little stressful at times and we haven't had much time to just chill but we have plans for a weekend get away the end of July.

Summer is wonderful! Sunshine, family, lots to do and see. I feel happy, full and blessed.

Hope you are finding things that bless you as well.

Step by Step

O God, you are my God

and I will ever praise you!

I will seek you in the morning

I will learn to walk in your ways.

And step by step

You'll lead me and 

I will follow you all of my days.*

Life has been good. I've been busy. The empty page for writing that used to taunt me has taken a back burner to the activities God's been bringing me. I got a job!
I started in Oct. Its part time and seasonal which means after Christmas we will see if they want to keep me on. But the job is great and I'm helping people and surrounded by good people. Its working in a Christian bookstore-- what a good fit! Books, Jesus and serving others!

I've been too busy to worry about writing although there are days the thought nags at me that I've neglected my blog, neglected my muse, neglected my creative side. But being involved in others lives has kept me from going too deep into worry.

With the changing of the clock and the changing of the seasons came the potential for an increase in feeling lethargic. In times past it's gotten me down pretty low. This year I was prepared for it mentally and it hasn't dropped me to my knees. I still have days when it feels like my anti-depressant isn't working as well as it should but I'm pushing on, refusing to let that stop me from reaching for positive things.

I have an exciting goal set for January of going to visit my daughter and grandkids in Florida and the job is the blessing that will allow it to happen! It's long past due for a visit.

All in all, life is good. And I just keep taking one day at a time, one step at a time, letting God take the lead.

* lyrics from Rich Mullins, Sometimes/Step by Step

Practicing the Art of Abundance

At a recent meeting for my women's writing group, the subject of abundance came up. One of the members had brought a book full of poetic phrases designed to capture the essence of abundance. I left that day challenged to seek out and appreciate more fully that which is abundant in my little world. 

I've been giving it some thought and on the day that I locked my keys inside my car and had to wait two hours for my rescuer to come and unlock the car, I thought about how nice an extra set of car keys would have been right about then! I suppose I thought having one set more than I needed was an abundance I didn't need but I'm thinking differently now.  (I USED to have a hide-a-key under my car bumper but it is likely to be rusting away on the bottom of some pot hole ridden back road. And there is SUPPOSED to be an extra key tucked into a drawer at home but it has gone AWOL) 

Later that day, home and feathers slowly un-ruffling, as I put away my groceries I thought about abundance some more. 

A fruit bowl piled high with shiny apples
 and plump juicy oranges
A fresh vibrant colored array of vegetables
 piled high in the produce drawer of the fridge
A freezer stocked piled with food 
and a pantry lined with an assortment 
of bright colored packages and cans
A kitchen full of healthy yummy food products
            This is abundance.

When I take my cup of fresh brewed coffee, 
mixed with sweet heavenly cream 
and I tiptoe out onto the front porch, 
barefoot and still in my jammies,
when I park myself on my 
kaleidoscope colored patio chair 
and breath in the still cool freshness of a new day, 
when I turn my face to the sun and let it kiss my face 
and let the breeze tousle my hair
               This is abundance.

On laundry day when the piles of clothes seem endless
and there is no more room on the clothes line 
When the sheets need changing on the bed 
and I must decide between flannel or cotton
or whether or not to add  the extra blanket
When it's time to get the fans back out of storage 
and I have one for upstairs and one for down
              This is abundance.

Abundance is noticing just how many Bibles we have, 
when I know there are others who are rejoicing over having 
just one page of a Bible.
Abundance is not complaining about 
having to dust the library shelves
where rows of books are assembled.  
Abundance is having gas in my tank, 
enough to get me to places I want to be, 
not just the places I need to be.
Abundance is staring at the shoes in my closet 
trying to decide which ones to wear today,
knowing others go barefoot.

Abundance is...
    fresh drinking water
       a lawn to mow
          a house to clean
             a meal to cook
               a garden to grow
A family to love.


All the things I might take for granted...
               come from living a life of.....
                                                        Abundance. 

A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands. Proverbs 14.1

The Frugal Housewife

Sounds like a great title for a new blog doesn't it? But, nope, no plans to go in that direction any time soon. Its just that I've been working hard the past few weeks to find ways to trim our household budget and guess what? It's paying off!


Life is becoming decidedly different with my husband now working for someone as opposed to being self employed. For one thing, it's a whole different mind-set. He knows all about BUYING construction materials and he is very skilled at turning those materials into beautiful abodes but now he's on the other side of the counter, selling! It's different and challenging and stretching him every day but he is enjoying it. The work environment is a pleasant one, even while fast paced and demanding. All in all he is slowly but surely finding his niche and settling in.

The other very different part is something we've never really had in all the years we've been together: regular paychecks! There is something to be said for knowing exactly how much you will receive every 2 weeks. I can actually build a budget that works! In self employment it was always a roller coaster cash flow. Some months we had just enough, some months there was more than enough. But more often than not, the months were much too lean to support us in a healthy way. It's a huge blessing and large burden lifted to be living a life that has a more of a flat surface as opposed to the roller coaster ride!

As I laid out our budget however, I could see that there were things that needed to be adjusted. No more getting by on 'a wing and a prayer' (although to be clear, prayer will never depart from our life) Now with income clearly defined we could see our overhead needed to be lowered. So, I got busy and started doing my homework.... What could we do without? What could we change?

I began with researching cell phone providers. While totally satisfied with the service we have had for many years, I just wanted to see if I could find another plan that would help trim the budget. After several false leads and one attempt to 'jump ship' I learned my lesson: Cheap does not equal quality. But asking for something can bring positive results. My cell provider made an adjustment on our monthly service plan that lowers our bill by $40 a month. Same excellent service, same excellent cell phone plan.

It pays to ask!

Next, I shopped insurance. I have learned it always saves to bundle home and auto and while I thought that 15 minutes could save me more, I learned that's not always true. I found auto insurance that not only offers me a better coverage package, it's costing me about 40% less! That's another $40 in my pocket. Yeehaw!

It pays to ask!

Feeling encouraged and brave, I decided to tackle our home internet. We seriously considered whether we could live without internet (it was a scary thought, honestly!) but communication via email, and other online services has become so deeply integrated in our lives, it makes it difficult to not have it. Living in a rural area can also limit the services available so it didn't seem there was much of a choice here but after a tip from my neighbor, I called our internet provider.

We've always had internet through our phone line and we had to have a land line in order to have internet. I learned this wasn't true anymore for our area and made the decision to cut the land line out! That's a little scary too because it's good to have a land line in case your cell service goes bonkers but since I've never had any interruption in my cell coverage here at home in all the years we've had it, it seemed a safe risk. So... bye-bye land line.... and hello internet adjustment. Bazinga! I just lowered my internet with a monthly savings of about $25 a month!

It pays to ask!

I already shop bargain foods and thrift/consignment store clothing. We rarely eat out, movies are whatever we can rent from the local library. We heat with wood and we carpool when ever possible.

 I gave up coloring my hair because I just could not afford it and discovered that the frumpy gray strands were looking much more like silver, which, by golly, I think I like!

 I don't know that I can trim much more off the budget but I am thankful for what I've been able to do so far.

When Bruce decided to take this job we talked about the pros and cons of leaving self employment and going to work for someone else. And despite the pros of that steady paycheck, the con was that it does pay less than what he earns when he is self employed. But we knew without a doubt that God had orchestrated this job. And God knows our needs. He knew what the job paid and what our budget said we needed. We had to move forward in faith, believing that God was either going to fill in the gaps or show us ways to get by on less. He's done both in the last several weeks.



We asked God to show us the way and He has. Yes, oh yes indeed, it pays to ask! 

Like Loaves and Fishes

Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. He also divided the fish for everyone to share. Mark 6.41

Despite the leanness of the last few months, where work has been scarce or spread too far apart, we have survived.

 Once again, our Faithful, Loving, Miracle Working God has carried us through. 

As I sat at the desk the other day balancing the checkbook and going over the bills, I sat back in grateful amazement as the truth of our situation sunk in. We had made it through another month. 

From September till about 3 weeks ago, there has not been a 40 hour work week for Bruce. I am not even sure there has been a 30 or a 20 hour work week! Instead, the work has come in spurts, a day here, two days there... which is often the case in the winter months but some winters seem leaner than others and harder to bear. 

Yet, somehow, in God's wonder-working ways, we have made it through. He has taken what little we had and multiplied it in a way only God can do. Like a basket with just some fish and loaves of bread, He has increased it to make it be enough. 

I am constantly amazed at the way God works and yet, in that crazy mixed up way that often contradicts my faith, I can so easily forget His faithfulness and let fear rule. I chide myself for being so flaky in times like these. I know God is for me, I know His plan for me is good, so why do I allow anxiety and worry to prevail?

 I'm human, that's why and maybe the only way I will remember God's provision is to experience the desperate need for it. 

With Thanksgiving

Come, let us sing to the Lord! 

Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. 

Let us come to him with thanksgiving. 

Let us sing psalms of praise to him.

 Psalm 95. 1-2

Funny how just when I enter a whiny, self centered phase, my daily bible readings start cropping up with reminders of being thankful. Yes, God must be trying to tell me something. I'm working on it Lord, I'm working on it! 

I am thankful for...

... work for my husband! It was only a couple of days worth of work, but it will pay another bill! 

...getting to spend the day with him. Not only getting to watch him work (something that always amazes me-- truly-- carpentry never fails to impress me) but being able to help even in a small way.

... FREE lattes! Yes, Oh, Yes!! (thankful for a full punch card!! whoot whoot!) (hey, it's the little things!)

...Rain...because it smells wonderful, it sounds delightful and even watching it (from inside a cozy warm room of course) brings me comfort. (full disclosure: I skipped walking today!!!) 

...  a  freshly made bed. Now, granted, I made the bed so I guess I could add that I am thankful I can make a bed!

... a couple of leads on other jobs for hubby. One that sounds very intriguing, one that would utilize his brain power instead of his body. 

...a big ol' sack of potatoes. Yep, someone gifted me with a 10# bag of russets. That'll go a long ways to filling our tummies. Potato soup, hashbrowns, baked taters, etc...

...my sister. Today is her birthday and she is my next best friend after hubby. Oh, the adventures we have had! 

... speaking of sisters and birthdays, tomorrow I get to spend the day with her and help her shop for clothes! Yay!

... thankful for a hot cup of tea to settle down and round out my evening. 

... and last but not least, I am thankful for God's Grace and Mercy, NEW every morning. His daily reminders of his love and provision, his love letter to the church, his bride. 

It's not my complete list of grateful's but it's a good start. 

O Autumn How I Love Thee

in between rainstorms, something amazing happens.

the sun comes out!

the brilliant colors of autumn beg to be noticed.

russet, goldenrod, amber, burgundy, orange, even hints of lime.

glorious, wonderful, beautiful autumn.

and the Lord God made it all. 

Road Tripping; the Final Installment

Home.

How sweet the sound, and how good to be back in familiar territory. Yet it's bittersweet because it means a return to the regular busyness and responsibilities that can sometimes pull you down. Still, we milked that last day for all it was worth...

Puzzling over the huge rabbit population in the campground...

while there are only a few in the picture, trust me, there must have been over 100 scattered about the grounds!

Taking a lovely stroll along side the Omak River before breaking of camp...

a perfect place to walk along side of the river!

A leisurely picnic in a city park...

chicken and 'tater salad, limeaade and chips. what more could you as for?

A slow drive over one more mountain pass...

Cascade Hwy, Hart's Pass

Upon arrival we found a lawn in need of mowing, a near-neurotic and overjoyed cat, and an empty pantry that needed filling. And we wont even mention the piles and piles of laundry!

I often find that while I'm living in the moment and enjoying myself very much,  in the days and weeks that follow, the pleasure grows as the memories cache in my heart. I love pulling those memories out one by one to relive them and appreciate each nuance that I might not have fully taken in as it unfolded.

reflection is good for the soul.

It goes without saying that this 2 week road trip was full to overflowing with special moments. Time for family and friends. Getting to experience another section of God's majestic creation. Living simply and finding the joy in that. Playing. Resting. Exploring. Adventuring. Having quality time with my best friend and lover.

Life. Is. Good.

thank you Lord for the blessings you give us!

A Breath of Fresh Air

It's been awhile in coming but you know what they say about the best things coming to those who wait. And there is another saying about good things come in small packages. Well, this small package has been worth waiting for and it is packed full of goodness!

Announcing the latest publication by Breath of Fresh Air Press: Mixed Blessings; Simple Pleasures.

Packed full of snack size readings from many wonderful authors, this book is sure to bring a smile to your face as it refreshes you with encouragement, fun and inspiration. I am just a wee bit excited about this new book release because.... (little drum roll) I have a story in the book! Yep, one of my short stories is being published! This is the first of many Mixed Blessings books to come and I will have stories in a few of them. Very exciting!!

You can check out Breath of Fresh Air's online bookstore here. and order your copy today! I have already ordered mine and I am so juiced for my order to arrive. Not only will you make me thrilled to death by your support, you will make yourself happy as well. I am sure.

PAID IN FULL

A HUGE burden was lifted from my shoulders yesterday. So huge, in fact, that I think I will be experiencing the feeling of lightness for weeks to come, perhaps even months.

Just a little over 20 years ago a judgement was handed down as part of my divorce. At the time the amount decreed my responsibility seemed insurmountable, given the fact I was a single mom, working in a minimum wage job. The monthly pay arrangements that my lawyer was able to negotiate were ridiculous low, for which I was grateful, yet the amount of time it would take to pay off the debt, was overwhelming. This debt would be with me for a long time. Think home mortgage long. Adding to this burden was the feeling of injustice, given the facts. As you may know, in my first marriage I lived through a tidal wave of abuse and was forced to go along with things that went deeply against my moral compass and my spiritual beliefs. I truly felt at the time that I had no choice but to go along with whatever crooked scheme my ex had concocted and now as a result, there were debts and transgressions in my name. Debts which I was now saddled with repaying, transgressions that were mine to try and repair.

Right about the time this judgement was given, a new face entered the picture. Yes, the love of my life. I remember the night when shortly after I realized we were heading down the path of seriousness, I felt it was time for full disclosure. I was SCARED TO DEATH to tell him about this giant financial burden I carried, because I knew if we did marry, which indeed it seemed was the direction we were heading, it was a burden that would also impact him. To be honest, he was taken back-- quite a lot, if the expression on his face meant anything-- but he has always had a gracious, forgiving and compassionate nature and so with the best understanding he could muster he said we'd face this together. Ah, bless this man. BLESS this man!!

(aside note: at the risk of mushiness, I just have to give GIANT KUDO's to the man God has seen fit to bless me with. He is indeed the peanut butter to my jelly. The blue in my sky... the... well, you get the picture...)

SO. As I was saying.... 20 years ago a judgement was handed down and every month for the last 20 years I have dutifully made a payment. Some times I was able to increase the monthly set amount, some months it was a struggle to come up with the minimum. For 20 years this judgement, which has always been about more than just the money, has been a part of my life. I would write the check and send that payment off knowing the debt was being chinked away, a little at a time, and I would try to not think about the whys and the therefore's but it was always, always present. Hidden in the shadows maybe, but there none the less.

I made peace with it to a certain degree over time, as God was restoring all the broken places in my heart, mind and soul. First, I had to face my part in all of it. I was a rebellious teen who ran away from home, dated the boy my parents forbid me to, lied and finagled my way to be with him. I had to admit that no one forced me to marry him. I may have felt I had no choice in many things in my life during the marriage but I did have to own up and take responsibility for my actions. I had to forgive myself for the wrongs I did, whether it was of my own volition or something forced upon me. And I had to forgive my ex for the things he put me through. Those things were instrumental in healing and achieving a certain sense of freedom.

We live in a society where debt is common place. We take out loans and mortgages and have credit cards for all the things we want NOW but can't afford. What's one more bill to pay? But this was a bill that was attached to a bitter, shameful past. If I am honest, each month, when I allowed myself to think about what that payment represented, the old hurts would rise up and I would once again have to wrestle with forgiveness and letting go.

But, as I was saying, a HUGE burden was lifted yesterday. I opened my mailbox and found the official document proclaiming my debt PAID IN FULL, the judgement satisfied. I pressed that letter to my chest and let the tears flow. Tears of sorrow for the past, tears of rejoicing for the present and tears of hope for the future. Like I said, I am sure I will be experiencing feelings of lightness for some time to come.

Can I just take another moment to say that this feeling is but a small drop in the bucket compared to the enormous feelings of joy knowing my sins have been forgiven. That Christ PAID THE DEBT IN FULL, when He died for me. That He satisfied the judgement against me once and for all. I am FREE. In Jesus Christ, I am FREE.

This Is Happy Too

Sunday Night

What a Monday! Our weekend was full of snow, ice, wind, and rain. The end result in some areas is that dangerous, beautiful condition known as a "Silver Thaw". Here in my little corner of the county, it's warmed enough to just leave slush everywhere. And still the rain is coming down. I'm tempted to just say 'yuck', pour another cup of coffee and snuggle in by the fire with my book, instead of donning my rain gear and getting outside for my walk.

Monday morning

However..... I have a couple of things buzzing inside of me, creating too much joy to just sit still. So, allow me to blog and then I will gladly let the buzz of joy carry me down the path of fitness.

The first thing that set my toes a'tapping was something from my Bucket List. I blogged about that in an earlier post and this weekend I took the first step in making it happen. I registered for the "Run for the Honeywagon" coming in April. Actually, I registered my sweetie and me for it! Yep, he said he would love to do it with me and after some test walks to see how compatible we were on our paces, we agreed this could work. Now, let me be clear-- it may be called a RUN but as they allow for walkers, that is what we will be doing. We will be in the 4 mile walking category and that is plenty fine with me! The point of this exercise for me is I will be participating in a fun, challenging, competitive event and it's not about winning, it's about doing. I'm very excited about this, as it is an event I have longed to participate in since way back in the 1980's when I could have actually contended as a runner. But motherhood, living life and aging has brought me to the place of acceptance; this body is no longer designed for the run. Walking is the new running for me.

The other MOST EXCITING THING came about this morning. I am a member of Faithwriters, an online writing group, and have participated many times in their weekly writing challenge. Some of my entries placed in the top 3, some even receiving the coveted "Editor's Choice" award. That made the story eligible for future publication in an anthology. It's been awhile in coming due to some unforeseen set backs but finally the press is moving forward and several issues will be coming out over the next year or so. I was told that I have stories appearing in 5 or 6 books! I am a little embarrassed to admit that I don't know for sure which of my stories are being published and I won't know until the release forms come and my titles are listed. (I kind of lost track of things.)

In the midst of being notified that the books were going to be published a request was put out for some additional material to fill a gap in the first book. Not really knowing what she was looking for, and who I'd be up against, I took the plunge and submitted a short story. This morning I received notification that out of the many submissions she received, the editor had selected MY story to fill the gap! I was sipping my coffee in front of the fire, checking my email and waiting for the brain fog to lift, as I skimmed the email.... when the information clicked and I let out a WHOOP that scared the cat and nearly upset my coffee. Then the tears came.... and prayers of thanks went up. Because really, I know that anything I have ever written comes from the gift God has given me. And I hope with all my heart that whatever I write, always points to Him and gives Him the glory.


I don't know the time table for the publications but rest assured, once I do, you all will be among the first to know! In the meantime, if you would like to read the story that will appear in the first book, Mixed Blessings, Simple Pleasures, you can find it here!  As always, thanks for reading.

Reflections

Meet Bossy, Hossy, Saucy and Flossy. Everyone knows Thumbkin.

Several years ago my sweet niece gifted me with these ADORABLE fun winter gloves. I just love them and must admit to seeing raised eyebrows when people see what my fingers are sporting! But hey, I love to play and I love to have fun--- and I don't mind a strange look or two!

I think that is truly something to celebrate... when we reach that time in our lives when we can laugh at ourselves. Not take ourselves too seriously. Being ME and being comfortable in that. That's a gift!

In high school I watched from the sidelines as the popular girls flirted with the jocks, never dreaming they might have had just as many insecurities as I did. They had the looks, the hair, the wardrobe and the personality. It seemed like they had it all. And what did I have? A flat chest, a sad wardrobe, acne, strict parents, bad hair days every day and no idea how to act if a popular boy was to ever give me the time of day!

mooooving and grooooving.  it was theme day at work...

I think going to my high school class reunion last year (35 years) really helped cement the fact that we are all just people trying to live our lives as best we can. We were all struggling in high school to figure out this thing called life and some of us seemed to have a better handle on it then others. Or maybe just faked it better.

I think the first time I looked in my mirror and liked who I saw was when  I was approaching my mid-30's. I saw a clear smooth complexion, curves in the right place, cute clothes to enhance the curves and a much more flattering hair style. I knew more about how to wear make up and not look made up. I was gaining confidence as woman and that went deeper than what I saw looking back from the mirror at me.

goofing off while on vacation

The first time I let my sweetie see me without make up, sporting a bed-head and desperate for coffee was a major step. But the first time I went on a church retreat and let the people in my small group see me sans make up, sporting a bed-head and desperate  for coffee was the moment I knew I had arrived.

what do you call a lack of coffee? Depresso....

I have trembled slightly when I have written the number "55"... it's kind of a big deal you know? BUT I remember feeling like I was OLD when I turned 25 and my first born started kindergarten and my sister remarked that I was a 1/4 of a century old. (thanks sis!) All the subsequent birthdays have rolled by with ease... at 40 years of age I was happily (re)married, working in a job I took great pride in, growing deeper in my relationship with Jesus and loving my life. I did not flinch over my age but happily agreed with the gal in the mirror that I looked as good as I felt. (lest you think I brag, let me assure you, I looked good BECAUSE I felt good and that inner glow makes all the difference)

well, hello there!

At 50, I took stock in my life, assessed the damage that fifty years of good (and bad) living had done and decided that perhaps the bloom on the rose was starting to -- uh--- droop just a tad. Gravity was having it's way, whether I owned a fitness center or not!! Hot flashes, love handles, and some unsightly gray (can't even call them silver-- they were definitely gray) hairs cropping up, were all just par for the course. Still, in spite of those things I realized there were much more important things to focus on; relationships being #1.

I think my relationship with God really moved into a much deeper priority by then and it saddens me to think that it took that many years to place Him that high up the ladder. Yes, I have been a believer since I was 9 years old but I didn't really think about how He might have plans for my life and I might want to consult Him on those plans from time to time. (I realize Moses was in his 80's before God brought him into the ultimate purpose his life was designed for but I think I caught on earlier than that!!)

A few years ago I asked God to help me see myself as He sees me and while I know I still have a ways to go in this, I realize now, I always will. But the confidence with which I pursue life these days comes not just from the life experiences I  survived, but from understanding and believing that I truly am a Child of God; redeemed, forgiven, washed clean, sanctified, set apart and chosen.

So, here comes 55 and I think I am ready. I recently lost 25 lbs and this is the least I have weighed in about 20 years. I am walking 3-4 miles almost every day and reaping the benefits of  good physical exercise. I got my hair cut and colored today and feel vibrant and sassy.

the price we pay for beauty...

On the outside, the bloom may be coming off the rose, but inside.... inside, I know my purpose in life --as a writer, as a woman, as a wife, and I love each and every aspect of those roles. God still has a plan for my life. And I am determined, by His Grace, to know it and live it.

for I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, plans to prosper you and give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29.11

Giving Thanks ~ Week 4

One thing that has been confirmed for me this week is the power of memory. As I have carried out the theme of posting each Saturday my week of thanks, I'd write the post all week long, adding to the list almost every day till I was ready to post it.  This week, however, I did not write anything until Friday evening and then I found myself grasping for recall. Slowly, as the brain-fog lifted and I saw clear back to Sunday, I was properly chagrined. I had an awesome week with many, many things to give thanks for. To not remember them is a shame. The lesson in this is that I need to pause more often, take stock in my surroundings and give praise and thanksgiving to the One who supplies all my needs.

Sunday
We spent a delightful afternoon visiting our 2 year old grandson (and his daddy and mommy). He is talking up a storm and repeats the cutest things that he has garnered along the way of watching the world in front of him.

Bennett brought the blanket to us because he wanted us to all be 'cozy-wozy'

Monday
Given the fact that 8 or 9 weeks ago, we dove right into some rather heavy stuff with our newly formed small group, we thought it would be fun to backtrack a little and enjoy some lighter fare as we celebrated the wrap up of our study. So...
Have you ever played the Ungame? It's a conversation starter/ice breaker type game, designed to stimulate interesting conversation and get to know one another better. Questions range from the light hearted (if you received $5000 as a gift, how would you spend it?) to the deeper probing ones (what lifetime dream are you still trying to make come true?)  We had a lot of fun going around the room drawing cards and sharing our answers. And we learned a lot more about each other. Always a good thing!

this greeted me as I returned from my morning walk!

Tuesday
Girlfriends and chocolate. Need I say more?

my Tuesday Morning Life Group

Wednesday
This was a fun day. My sister and I went over to my friends home in the afternoon and worked on the details of a party that they are throwing me next month in honor of a milestone birthday! The theme is "What Happened in 1958?"  Turns out I was born the same year that the Hula Hoop was invented... and that's all I am going to say for now.

Thursday
a long phone conversation with my daughter.
Precepts Bible Study
Skyping with the grandkids.
It's all good!

To this I will add  that after the bible study my sister and I chatted with one of our class leaders who mentioned she wants to form a Christian Writers group in the new year that will meet monthly to encourage one another. This is very exciting!!

Friday
Hubby was called back in for a second interview which took place Friday morning!! He also learned it is between him and one other person for the position. Trying to just remain calm and not fret over it as we probably wont hear anything before Thanksgiving.

Saturday
We've been enduring a serious COLD snap all week and our house is hard to keep warm. We rely on our woodstove for heat pretty much exclusively but this week found us pulling out our little electric space heaters.

My morning walks seem to happen a little later each day as I wait for the temps to rise just a wee bit. We've had some marvelous sunshine each day though and the glistening frost on the grass and fallen leaves has a beauty all of it's own.

I am thankful for warm blankets, mittens, hot chocolate, and wood fires.
I am thankful for friends, for family, for books to read and books to share.
Thankful for plans in the works for our Thanksgiving gathering next week.

How about you?